5 positions to watch with Raiders this summer

Competitive spots reduced by abundant free-agent signings

Updated 10:24 pm, Sunday, June 1, 2014

Maurice Jones-Drew has averaged 4.5 yards per carry in his career, but ran for just 3.4 last season.

Maurice Jones-Drew has averaged 4.5 yards per carry in his career, but ran for just 3.4 last season.

Photo: Stephen Morton, Associated Press

5 positions to watch with Raiders this summer

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The Raiders wrapped up their first week of offseason practice Friday, and while the coaches love to talk of competition, there actually aren't that many starting jobs up for grabs.

Oakland brought in or traded for nine veterans whom they expect to start, then drafted outside linebacker Khalil Mack, whom everyone expects to be an impact player.

Here's a quick look at the five spots that should be fun to watch at training camp this summer:

1. Tight end: David Ausberry, the big former wide receiver, has never really advanced beyond the label of "intriguing project" his first three years. Last year was a complete wash because of a shoulder injury. He is back now and starts the offseason practices as the No. 1 tight end, largely because the coaches still don't know what they have behind him.

Mychal Rivera had 38 catches for 407 yards his rookie year, and coach Dennis Allen thinks he is a possible foundation piece because of his ball-catching skills. But he doesn't block that well, which was the reason since-departed Jeron Mastrud started all last season. Second-year Nick Kasa might be the best blocker of the bunch, while dark horse Brian Leonhardt, on the practice squad all of last season, might have the best combination upside of blocking and catching skills.

2. Left guard: When you draft a guard in the third round, he is expected to start. Gabe Jackson will have every opportunity to do that, if he can beat out veteran Khalif Barnes. Barnes moved from tackle at the end of last season and handled himself pretty well. Barnes' ability to play guard and tackle, and Kevin Boothe's experience at guard and center, make them ideal backups next season.

3. Running back: Maurice Jones-Drew is in great shape and would love to make Jacksonville look bad for letting him go. Many around the league think he is an old 29 and that it won't happen. Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden, back after another disappointing, injury-plagued season, are primed to compete at training camp. The coaches would love to use both to keep each other fresh and healthy, and the loser of the competition should still get several touches a game. The Raiders are going to run the ball a lot this season behind a big offensive line.

4. No. 2 receiver: Veteran James Jones (who averaged 60 catches, 800 yards and nine touchdowns last two years in Green Bay) is the No. 1 guy by default, though fourth-year player Denarius Moore still has the potential to be that big-play guy. He has to become more consistent, and he'll battle youngsters Rod Streater and Andre Holmes for playing time. The 6-foot-4 Holmes showed a nice ability to go up for the ball last season. Recently signed Greg Little will also be in the mix, if he left his dropsies behind in Cleveland.

5. Defensive tackle: Antonio Smith, a former defensive end signed from Houston, will miss most of the offseason program after an unspecified weight-room incident and surgery. That puts both Pat Sims and second-year player Stacy McGee on the first team for now, and they have a chance to stay there. Sims played well down the stretch last season, and he's surprised to be back after he got little attention on the free-agent market. McGee, who put some college off-field issues behind him and showed some nice burst, is another one of last year's draft picks that the coaching staff is excited about.

New faces

The nine players the Raiders brought in during the offseason and are expecting to start:

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